Metro work cripples traffic around Jayadeva junction

Construction work under Phase II of Namma Metro on Bannerghatta Road has turned commuting into a nightmare.

Traffic ban on several roads in the vicinity are forcing motorists to take diversions.

Stretches of the service road near the Jayadeva signal underpass have been closed for traffic. With no signages, it is a challenge to find a way out of the busy junction.

It takes 25 minutes to cover the 2-km stretch between Jayadeva Signal and Udupi Garden during peak hours.

On Thursday, commuters were in for a shock when a stretch of road connecting BTM II stage from Jayadeva Junction was blocked. Commuters were forced to take a diversion after reaching the junction.

Barricades mark severtal stretches, reducing the width of the road by half.

Several residents in the area also complained that finding cabs and autorickshaws is a challenge due to the traffic and when you find one, they demand exorbitant fares. Anand, a techie, said, “Thanks to the construction work, autorickshaw and cab drivers are demanding high prices.”

Even pedestrians are facing difficulties. Open cables, debris and uncleared garbage add to their woes. Rohini Kannan, a resident of Mico layout, said, “We have to face heavy traffic and it is very difficult even to walk on the road because there are no footpaths. And when it rains, it is very slippery.”

A senior police officer from Mico Layout traffic police station said: “Work will continue until March end. The flyover will be razed. Many commuters are not aware of the diversions which results in slow-moving traffic.”